Exam 3 Flashcards

What is pathology?

Study of disease: causes, mechanisms, effects

What does special pathology focus on?

Diseases in specific organs/systems

Types of cell death?

Apoptosis (controlled), Necrosis (uncontrolled)

Difference between gross & microscopic lesions?

Gross: visible; Microscopic: seen under a microscope

What is canine parvovirus?

Viral GI disease in puppies; diarrhea, vomiting

Symptoms of FeLV?

Weight loss, infections, pale gums, neuro issues

What causes heartworm disease?

Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted by mosquitoes

Histopathology tools?

H&E staining, immunohistochemistry

Function of a necropsy?

Post-mortem disease diagnosis

What is osteoarthritis?

Degenerative joint disease; inflammation, stiffness

Signs of pancreatitis?

Vomiting, lethargy, arched back, diarrhea.

Purpose of biochemistry panel?

Assess organ function (kidney, liver, etc.)

What is lymphoma?

Common lymphoid cancer in small animals

Acute vs Chronic Inflammation?

Acute: short-term; Chronic: long-term response

Role of pathology in vet med?

Diagnosis, prognosis, guide treatment

What are the main functions of the cardiovascular system?

Transport nutrients, gases (O₂, CO₂), hormones, and waste throughout the body; essential for homeostasis.

What are the three main components of the cardiovascular system?

Heart, blood, and blood vessels.

What is the function of arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins carry blood toward the heart.

Name the parts of the heart.

Atria (receive blood), ventricles (pump blood), valves (prevent backflow).

What are the layers of the heart wall?

Epicardium, myocardium, endocardium.

Where is the heart located in the body?

In the mediastinum, between the lungs, shifted left and ventrally.

What is the pericardium?

A fibrous sac that contains the heart; includes pericardial sac, visceral & parietal layers, and pericardial fluid.

Trace the flow of blood through the heart.

Body → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Lungs → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Body.

What is heart failure?

When the heart cannot pump blood at a rate matching the body’s needs.

Define hypertension.

High blood pressure that can lead to heart failure or stroke.

What is atherosclerosis and is it common in dogs/cats?

Fatty plaque buildup in arteries; uncommon in pets due to long development time.

What is congestive heart failure?

Inefficient blood pumping by the heart.

What is arrhythmia?

Abnormal heart rhythm.

What breeds are predisposed to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)?

Older male large/giant breeds (Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers, etc.).

What are the signs of DCM in dogs?

Enlarged, weak heart; decreased cardiac output; irregular heartbeat; sudden death.

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)?

Thickened left ventricle; common in Maine Coon & Ragdoll cats; 'valentine' heart shape.

What is a saddle thrombus?

A blood clot that causes hind limb paralysis; very painful.

What is a congenital heart disease?

Heart defect present at birth.

Define Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).

A vessel that remains open after birth, causing a murmur.

Define Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).

A hole in the septum between ventricles; soft murmur.

Define Pulmonic Stenosis.

Narrowing of the pulmonary valve; can cause syncope.

Define Aortic Stenosis.

Narrowing of the aortic valve, affecting systemic circulation.

What is Tetralogy of Fallot?

A complex congenital defect common in Keeshonds and English Bulldogs.

What is the most common sign of congenital heart disease in puppies/kittens?

Heart murmurs.

List common signs of heart disease in adult small animals.

Coughing, labored breathing, fluid retention, cyanosis, fainting.

What is the gold standard diagnostic tool for heart disease?

Echocardiography (Ultrasound).

What is an ECG used for?

To detect arrhythmias.

What are diuretics used for in cardiac treatment?

To manage fluid retention.

What are vasodilators used for?

To reduce blood pressure.

Name surgical treatments for congenital heart diseases.

PDA ligation, VSD correction.

What are tachyarrhythmias?

Fast heart rhythms, including SVT, V-tach, and fibrillation.

What are bradyarrhythmias?

Slow heart rhythms, like sinus bradycardia and AV block.

What initiates the cardiac conduction system?

The SA node.

What does the AV node do in the conduction system?

Delays the signal to allow atria to empty.

What structures carry the impulse to the ventricles?

Bundle of His → bundle branches → Purkinje fibers.

What are the main components of the upper respiratory tract in small animals?

Nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea.

What are the main functions of the upper respiratory tract?

Warming, humidifying, and filtering air.

Name a key defense mechanism of the upper respiratory tract.

Mucociliary escalator or nasal mucosa.

What structures make up the lower respiratory tract?

Bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli.

What is the primary function of alveoli?

Gas exchange.

What are the primary muscles involved in breathing?

Diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

What pathogens commonly cause CIRDC?

Bordetella bronchiseptica, Parainfluenza virus.

List two clinical signs of CIRDC.

Coughing, nasal discharge.

What is the common name for CIRDC?

Kennel cough.

When does kennel cough become a serious concern?

When signs like fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, and difficulty breathing develop.

What are two common causes of feline upper respiratory infections?

Feline herpesvirus (FHV), Feline calicivirus (FCV).

What is a key symptom of feline calicivirus?

Oral ulcers.

What unusual symptom can FCV cause in cats?

Lameness or 'limping syndrome'.

What is the hallmark clinical sign of feline asthma?

Coughing and wheezing.

What are the main treatments for feline asthma?

Corticosteroids, bronchodilators, environmental management.

Which species and breed type are most affected by chronic bronchitis?

Older, small-breed dogs.

What causes canine chronic bronchitis?

Chronic inflammation, environmental irritants.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Thoracic radiographs, blood culture, PCR.

What is pleural effusion?

Fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.

Name one diagnostic tool used to confirm pleural effusion.

Thoracic radiographs, ultrasound, or thoracocentesis.

What is a common cause of feline heartworm disease?

Mosquito transmission.

Why is feline heartworm disease especially dangerous?

One worm can kill a cat.

What does a normal lung look like on a radiograph?

Mostly black with a visible heart outline.

Name two advanced imaging tools for respiratory disease.

CT and MRI.

Why is PCR not often used in general clinics?

High cost of testing.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What are the three main functions of the nervous system?

Sensory input, integration, and motor output.

Name the four major regions of the brain.

Cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, diencephalon.

What is the primary function of a neuron?

Transmission of electrical signals.

What are the components of a neuron?

Dendrites, soma (cell body), axon, axon terminals.

What are the three types of neurons?

Sensory, motor, and interneurons.

What does the sympathetic nervous system control?

"Fight or flight" response.

What does the parasympathetic nervous system control?

"Rest and digest" response.

What is idiopathic vestibular disease?

A disorder affecting balance, often seen in older dogs and cats.

What is a common congenital disorder affecting brain development in cats?

Cerebellar Hypoplasia.

What diagnostic tool is best for identifying brain tumors?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

What tool is used to diagnose epilepsy?

EEG (Electroencephalogram).

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Transmits neural signals and controls reflexes.

Name the five regions of the spinal cord.

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal.

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)?

A condition where spinal discs herniate, causing pain or paralysis.

What is degenerative myelopathy?

A progressive spinal cord disease causing hind limb weakness.

What does CSF analysis help diagnose?

Infections, inflammation, or metabolic conditions.

What is hydrocephalus?

Abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

What are the common causes of encephalitis?

Viral, bacterial, or immune-mediated inflammation of the brain.

What is the purpose of white matter in the spinal cord?

Contains axons that transmit signals over distances.

What are the primary organs of the digestive system?

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine.

Name the accessory organs of the digestive system.

Liver, pancreas, gallbladder.

What is the function of incisors?

Grooming, nibbling, scraping meat from bone.

What are canines used for?

Tearing.

What is the role of premolars and molars?

Grinding food.